Disability Employment Month

 October is not just spooky month, it's also Disability Employment Month. Unfortunately, not many people who have disabilities have jobs due to factors such as discrimination, stigma, and barriers to employment. In 2024, the employment ratio for those with disabilities was 22.7% compared to 65.5% for those without.

As someone who's autistic, I know that it can be hard to find places that are willing to hire people with disabilities. I'm fortunate to have worked for a company that values inclusion for the past ten years. A few other friends who have disabilities have jobs too whether it be full time or part time. If you're autistic or have any other special needs and are looking for a job, just know that other places are willing to hire you if you look hard enough, and if anyone discriminates you, stand up for yourself and have friend to back you up. I know it's not easy but I want to let you guys know that I believe in you.

And to those of you with disabilities who have jobs, I hope you guys inspire other people with disabilities that they can get that job they want too. If the world allows more people with disabilities to get hired for jobs, we can be on the way to a more inclusive world.

Barefoot and autism Halloween

 This blog post is all about both autism and being barefoot for Halloween.

If your looking for tips and tricks for Halloween for people on the autism spectrum, the best way to start is the teaching story All About Halloween to teach autistic children what to expect around Halloween. You can add pictures and text to the story to personalize it too. Scary things can be overwhelming to those with sensory needs. For costumes, be aware of special interests for costumes like their favorite characters. Be aware of sensory issues for the costumes as they might itch, smell, or be uncomfortable. Don't use costumes that are challenging for sensory experiences and try a larger sized costume so kids can wear their own clothes underneath. Explain that if a friend is wearing a mask or face paint, it's still their friend underneath.

For trick-or-treating, use teaching stories to explain what trick-or-treating involves. Use nonverbal trick-or-treat signs if your child is nonverbal. If your child doesn't want to go out at night, go earlier in the evening. And just like with other kids, trick-or-treat in your neighborhood, go with friends and neighbors, ask a grownup your know to go along, check out all treats before eating them, carry a flashlight if you go at night, and for autistic people use sensory toys, headphones, or ear plugs.

The next part is barefoot costumes at Halloween. If you love being barefoot and want to go barefoot with your costume, this YouTube link has ideas for barefoot costumes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMWa-qXJcD0

Of course, some costumes are barefoot already like the Flintstones, Elsa from Frozen, or Tarzan. But if you want to have your costume be authentic and barefoot, use body paint to cover your feet so they'll go with your costume. For example, a skeleton can use grey paint to paint the bones on your feet, green paint for the Hulk, and so on. I'm going to be a barefoot vampire for this Halloween party fundraiser put on by Adria and Taylor of the Des Moines Metro Champions delegation for Special Olympics Iowa. There'll be a costume contest with prizes too so wish me luck. My best friend Katie's going to have a barefoot costume too.

Fall season

 The fall season is among us. That being said, it's been warm enough for me to go on barefoot walks still. I enjoy the feeling of fall leaves crunching under my bare feet. My best friend Katie and I went on a barefoot walk over the weekend after bowling and it was fun; it was a bit of practice for Special Olympics as well.  It was a short one because it was a hot day and I had a busy weekend.

That being said, if it's warm enough this fall where you're at, take advantage of getting outside while you can. Enjoy the bonfires, hikes, football, and fun time with the family.